Looks like the webmaster decided to start over again. Looks a lot better now. I will assume it is in beta testing so I will not post anything. Just keep an eye on it.
Not exactly. It's the forum that started about a month ago. There are 9 pages of posts to see if you want to see back to the beginning.
Looks the same as yesterday and the past three weeks. Still a picture-posting train wreck. The main subject of discussion is what a mess it is. Too bad.
If you go to www.modelt.org and look up the new forum, there is only 1 post and 6 replies. Looks like everything else has been removed.
Remember it even took Henry a few tries to get it right. And then what was so great for 1909 was very out dated by 1928. I'm sure Mark will get it going. I would offer to help him -- but it doesn't have bands etc. that I understand -- so I will try to stay out of his way while still supporting him and his volunteer efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Yep, it does look like they've hit the reset button over there. I noticed now that there's a "reply with quote" box at the bottom of the posts, and it looks like they've removed the ability to edit anyone's posts as well. Problem is, it won't let me log in now. Says I don't know my password....
Huh, if I'd have read the directions I would have seen that they weren't able to migrate the passwords to the new (old) version of vBulletin. A quick password reset and I'm in business.
Funny how that "reading directions" thing works....
I barely know what's going on, but this is on support.CanvasDreams.org , a web hosting co. I use successfully:
---------
Update on recent Wordpress brute force attacks
Dear ​Canvas Dreams customers,
Since April 9th, we've been fighting against what many of you know to be
a very widespread attack specifically targeted at Wordpress sites.
Canvas Dreams is not alone in this experience. To brush yourself up on
some more details, this posting is a good entry into understanding what
is happening:
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/04/brute-force-attacks-build-wordpress-botnet/
This issue is two fold:
1. The attack itself, while targeting Wordpress has effects on everyone
in a shared hosting environment. The sheer volume of login attempts can
potentially bring our servers to a crawl and whether or not you use
Wordpress, this will affect you very severely.
2. There is a virus/trojan/worm out there somewhere that is spreading
itself from computer to computer (server to server) that needs to be
addressed before we can relax our security precautions. The brute force
attacks are merely the result of this piece of software running it’s
code. What security firms like Symantec and Eset are up against is the
ultimate solution: creating antivirus definition rules to clean the
infection off of the affected machines...
---------
I have no idea if the MTFCI, or even this site, is using Wordpress, but Wordpress is vulnerable. My sites are coded in html, as wordpress is not PCI Compliant for e-commerce.
And I understand even less of this than what little I know.
Starting over for sure. I had to re-register. But I posted three pictures. Check it out and let me know if you can see them. Until now not everybody has been able to see all the pictures posted.
Dear Forum Users, As a result of system issues with the newer vBulletin version 5, and in the best interest of the MTFCI membership, we have reverted to vBulletin version 4.2, which is more stable version. In the process of this switch, I was successful in migrating registered user accounts from version 5. However, I was unable to migrate account passwords, so users will be required reset their passwords. To accomplish this, use the following "lost password" link: http://www.modelt.org/mtfcivb/login.php? do=lostpw . You'll need to fill in the email address that you used when you set up your account, click on "Request User Name/Password Now" at the lower right, and instructions on how to reset your password will be emailed to you. If you have issues, please feel free to contact me. Thanks, MTFCI Webmaster
Just got the 403 piss off message again.
Peter
Mark -- thank you so much for all your support. Sort of like working on the car. As you take things apart, rebuild them and repaint them sometimes it looks worse than when we started. But in the end it will come out a nice running and looking T.
Peter -- I just tried the link and it still took me to the MTFCI forum. It did not take me to the password reset because the last part " do=lostpw" did not become part of the hyperlink in the posting above. I'll see if I can get it to be part of the link here -- but if not just copy "ALL" of the letters from the "h" to the "?" and paste them in your browser go to line and it should take you there. Try clicking on http://www.modelt.org/mtfcivb/login.php?do=lostpw and see if it works any better for you. If not you can go to the home page of the Forum site at: http://www.modelt.org/mtfcivb/ Don't fill anything out and just click enter "log in" and it will take you to the next page that says "oops you used an invalid user name or password". Look for the 4th sentence that says "Forgotten your password?" and click on the "Click Here" and it will take you there.
It will start -- we just need to get the correct gas mixture and spark at the correct times.....
I was able to change my password and post a note over there. Give it a test drive and give it some time and we will all figure out how many pulls on the crank with the choke pulled all the way out this one usually needs when we are starting it and it is cold.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Ok so I reset my password, uploaded my avatar, set my location time to GMT-6, allowed advanced uploading, and all is working fine just like it did on VB5 last week.
One minor correction: No avatar. That function is turned off, so no picture appears with your name. But you can upload a postage stamp profile picture that people see if they click on your name. I see this version does get the time right.
Thanks Hap,
Tried them all and still got the 403 go away notice again.
Peter
That site only works for people with 12 volt systems...Except Steve Jelf! ws
@ Peter,
Try clearing all cookies/cache on your browser and then try again.
Peter, Try reloading the page from your browser toolbar. This usually works with updated websites.
Peter, I got the 420, and now I don't care if I can log in! :-)
Peter,
I consistently get the same message.
Perhaps it's because we're aliens ?
Jack
It could be that MTFCI has accidentally blocked IP addresses from Australia. On a forum I run, I have had to try and block every IP from China and Russia, as that is where all my spam attacks are coming from. I've accidentally blocked some users.
If they would use the " T Bulletin, version 09 to 27" we would all be able to operate it just fine. GRIN. will try again sometime this fall maybe.
Bob
If they would use the " T Bulletin, version 09 to 27" we would all be able to operate it just fine. GRIN. will try again sometime this fall maybe.
Bob
Sorry for the double post.
Bob
Thanks everyone for the advise. Have tried it all to no avail. Was allowed access for a short time and successfully registered and visited the site for a couple of days then got blocked again. I can't even access the homepage, still get the 403 error there too. I will play here instead.
Peter
Opera turbo. Gives you an american server gizmo to access it from. Works maybe 4 in 5 times?
Peter, I have had the same problem. I can access it from my phone and my Ipad but not my desktop PC where I like to work most! My IT manager (wife) has tried numerous times to reset stuff etc but have had now luck. Perhaps as Bob said, maybe us Aussies are banned???
Tell them you have installed a new PM and see if that makes a difference....
I like Jays approach with the 420... that's a CHEVY aint it?? LOl ws
420 is police code for something else! No worries, be happy!
I was once blocked on this forum, until I restarted my ADSL modem.
Best regards, Sven
The MTFCI forum is so screwed up they should just shut it down, and pay rent to use this one.
Three times I attempted to get a new password and it gives me one. Then when you try to use it you are told it is an incorrect password. They need to totally wipe my existance off the new forum, ask what I want for a name and password, and install it for me. Maybe then it might work.
This forum is so awesome I don't know why I go over there in the first place.
I tried the new MTFCI forum when it first opened, but the first thing it asked me was my birth date. I agree with someone else who posted on this forum. I don't mind posting here how old I am if it is relevant to the post, but I can't see why a Model T forum needs to know my birth date to allow me in. Perhaps the times we live in have made me sensitive to the relentless searches for information about me, but I exited the sign-in function at that point and haven't been back.
Since I gather that not much is happening there anyway, I don't think I am missing anything.
I have enough going on in my life right now that the MTFCI forum is not a high priority...
Well,you dont have to give them the Exact year and date you know! :>)
I like that idea of letting them rent space here. :>)
Dave'
Clear your history the problem might be at your end.
Dick,
It asks for your birth date and then gives you the option to block others from seeing it. The birth date is a question that VB forum uses to allow you to regain your password if you forget it. It's not a bad thing.
Oh great! What birth date did I use!
Test!! I have been without a P C all week trying to set up another one. My mother board was cooked on the old one but looks like I can post on the forum. wish I knew more about them!
Royce, a (birth) date is not unique. Since it doesn't need something unique, it could as easily ask for a zip code. (My pharmacy uses the last four digits of my phone number.) It could ask me to offer a PIN. Instead, it asks for personal information that I may or may not want to give it.
As I said, since that forum hasn't offered much for a long time and since I have ended my membership in the MTFCI, I don't really need access, so it's all moot....
I have registered at least twice, now it wants me to do it again. Sorry, I've had enough. Anyway, everything I need is on this FUNCTIONAL forum.
I registered when they first swapped to the new system, but haven't been back over there. Never went there often, and from what I'm reading here, not much need in it anyway. At any rate, I wasn't gonna give them my birthday, so I just gave them a famous date that I can remember, and one which will live in infamy.
Today, I got a Username and Password, along with an Activation code.
As soon as I type in the Username, I get a message that says I do not have authorization to be there and I can not even enter the password.
There is a note to click on FAQ above and when I click there there is about 20 items to click on and I have no idea what item I am supposed to click or why.
Earlier there was a note to click on the form below and there was no form below either.
Where is Garrett?
Herb, he's still in Boonville, Missouri.
This morning, I counted a total of 7 posts on the MTFCI Forum since June 1 on both links.
Anyone care to count the number of posts on the MTFCA Forum since June 1?
The MTFCI registration procedure is far too complicated to be a success!
First you are directed to a form at the bottom of the page to register and there is no form there, just the same icons that are on the top of this page.
Then you are directed to insert the Captcha code that is not legible with the soft tones and colored background.
I always knew I was tone deaf, but I never knew I was color blind or at least hue blind.
Then you are directed to the FAQ page and there are about 25 windows there to click on. Are you supposed to read all those FAQs to be smart enough to use the MTFCI Forum?
Later you are directed to add an Activation code that you don't have and can't find.
Once you get through those hurdles and try to post on the MTFCI Forum, you are told you don't have permission to post on that page.
A true case OF BEING BUILT BY A GENIUS AND NOT TO BE USED BY AN IDIOT.
Hap,
I think I am up and running now. Still getting used to it. Have also been able to post pictures, including my engine.
Thanks again for your advice.
Pete
Actually, so many of you have replied with good suggestions, so I should thank all of you. Mostly, Mark Williams for listening to our concerns.
Jack in Australia, thanks for you response all the way from the other side of the world. Perhaps, some day we'll meet at a tour of your continent.
Pete Ratledge
Since Mark went to an earlier version of the new software, the picture posting works. In fact, now that I've figured out how to do it, picture posting there is better than here. Derek Keifer has some great photos posted this morning.
I could use a little help with the new MTFCI forum. What I'd like to do is completely wipe out my user name, password and other information and start all over with a new user name and password of my choice (but keep my e-mail address). Is there any way to do that?
Looks to me like you can change everything except your user name. If you ditch the cookies that allow the site to ID your computer, maybe you can register anew. If that doesn't work, I'd contact Mark.
Steve, I've just about had my fill of this. I struggled with it from the start and finally got things working to the point where I could log in, create topics and reply to posts.
Then all of a sudden, I can't find the site. Deleted the link to the new site, went on google and found the link to the 'new', new site, went there and can't log in? I'm going to screw around with this a little bit more and that's it, I'm either on or I'm done. That means the end of my (paid) membership to MTFCI as well.
Dennis, don't give up yet. On their old forum, I had a heck of a time getting logged in after they went to the same system as this one. I finally had to have Mark remove everything so that I could start over. It then allowed me to become a member. Maybe that is what is needed now? So far, I am not even going to try the new system, as it is much the same as Ford Barn. I left that forum for the same reason, WAY too complicated for this old fart. I sincerely hope that this forum doesn't go the same way. Also, I really hate that anything that has ass in a word is deleted on it, that is just dumb. JMHO. Dave
I'm having the same problem as Dennis, and it takes so long to get things done with dial-up, that I will leave it alone for a while--I've got better things to do with my time & most of the posting is here anyways!
Looks like everything is off line including the home page.
If you keep trying to re-register using the same info then the system will reject it as it exist already. Even if you use the a different user name and pass word but the same email address it will reject it.
And/or you could do as suggested, email Mark and have him wipe all information and start fresh.
I gave the new set-up a shot and it worked first time. pictures & posting. Had my info and e-mail but needed a new pass word.
Oh Lord. spoke too soon. it's off line again.
I'm needing to download the MTFCI checklist to go over my car before the Kanab tour. Unfortunately, I haven't downloaded it to my computer and was just going to download if from MTFCI. Their website is down! Or maybe I just don't know how to access it. Where can I get a copy. I've seen it in VF I think, but don't remember what issue.
Here's MTFCA:
and MTFCI:
Thank you, Steve. I'll print them out and store them.
Noel
Last night I went back and using all the 'suggestions', I re registered using the same screen name with a new password. Got a message saying "That screen name is already in use, if you are this person, do this" (went to another page and completed that), Then it said a "A confirmation will be sent to your e-mail address" (which never showed up).
Went back to the MTFCI tonight, and got this.
"We've encountered a problem processing your request..
Please email the webmaster@modelt.org and alert the MTFCI Webmaster to this error and list what you were doing when it occured".
Thanks. www.modelt.org".
No thanks, I've had enough.
Fatal error: Class 'JFactory' not found in /home/modelt/public_html/index.php on line 25
Now your post has to be approved by a moderator before it appears. I suppose the !@#$%! spammers did it.
I was thinking that might have to be done and was about to suggest it to Mark.
Just tried the MTFCI site. I got the same message Steve did(moderator must review). Logging in was easy now that Mark got me straightened out. I think we all need to just be patient while the bugs get worked out. This website someday will have to deal with a new software program and it may very well be the one Mark is working with. I don't particularly like change, but it's going to happen, so if I want to participate I have try and figure it out. I think the new MTFCI format has great potential, yes it's different and I don't understand everything yet but I will get there. I thought the computer was too complicated for me at one time, but I now can bumble through for the most part. I shudder to think about all I would be missing if I had not bought a computer just because I thought it was to complicated. Remember it is all for the enrichment of the hobby. Both clubs have a common goal and that is helping people with Model T's.
If you think computers are complicated now you should have seen them back in the 90's todays computers have been stupefied far too much for my liking.
Jay in Califunny, I appreciate you posting your picture yesterday, I wondered what you look like.
There are no new posts since yesterday morning, including the entry I tried to post. Moderator approval may kill the spam, but I'm afraid it also kills the forum. The moderators have lives, and other things to do, and can't monitor the thing all the time. If a posting takes a day (or more?) to show up, I think that pretty well kills it for a lot of folks.
Requiring moderator approval to post is going to kill the forum for sure... I'd rather deal with the spam, or the quirks of this old system instead.
Spam can be dealt with easily by giving a few respectable & frequent members moderator privileges so that it gets toasted quickly instead of relying on one single moderator to find it all.
I don't see why you guys are getting your knickers in a knot over that other forum's problems. We have all the Model T Forum we need right here!
Quite true. But apparently the days of this format are numbered. Id like to see the other forum work the bugs out to ease the transition here when the time comes.
Back in the primitive days of CompuServe Forums, I ended up being a Sysop (= moderator) at various times on three different forums - Masonry Forum, Netherlands Forum and Cancer Forum. In each case, I was a member of a team of four to six sysops. Each of us could move messages to different sections, move them out of sight of forum users, or delete them. (Since we could move them out of sight, we rarely deleted them.) I can't imagine one person doing all that alone. The forum would grind to a halt. There was a private sysop section where we could discuss with each other what we had done, if there was a need to. Old ways aren't always bad ways.
They list three moderators, but no posts submitted since 8:38 AM yesterday have showed up yet. That's not going to work.
If this forum has to change, right now I would NOT suggest the software they are using!
just my opinion--and what do I know??
I don't know the web person for the MTFCI or what drove his time line for the conversion but I really feel sorry for what he must be going through. No one would want to inflict the current disaster on the club or the forum participants. I hope that he/they are able to develop some solutions soon, he/they are undoubtedly doing their best to fix things. It's just wretched to have to do it under the present circumstances.
Hopefully our web master will be able to fully test and adjust any necessary changes before they need to go into production use.
So how long before we suffer the same sad fate here???
No fear of that happening here at the moment, although we have discussed the changes at every board meeting since I have taken over.
Actually, yesterday and today it worked well for me. And today, it even remembered me! I didn't like having to log in each time, but today I didn't have to. Yea, Cookies!
I now understand, you need to get approval to post even though you are a registered user. I was thinking along the lines of having to get approved if you were a new user.
Bummer because I have been defending the new forum to give it time.
Posting on the big 3 model T forums get to more people as some don't post here or there etc. I'll check once a day to see if there is anything new but unless this changes I will not bother to post.
It's not a forum I have visited for eons, but the discussion here got me curious, so I dropped by. Just to see the forum at all (not log in), I was first required to send an e-mail to the webmaster. That was the point at which I came scurrying back here. Maybe when it gets straightened out.... Maybe in a later lifetime.... (Maybe never...)
I guess there have been no "approved postings" for two and a half days now. I have been trying to check in every day to help get them going again. Two nights ago, I thought I posted a couple replies, but they went away. Nothing has been posted since, by anyone as near as I can tell.
I do hope they get it working again soon. Where will I go for information if this site gets crashed again? (Actually, mostly I am being snide, but it has been a help in the past)
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I posted a new topic with pictures and a reply to another. Both received the same "wait for approval"
If we have to wait a day or more for some sort of blessing, that would be a nail in the coffin.
Glad this site is working and also the Ford Barn.
I tried as well with a message to Mark (2) without an answer. I understand he has a real job as well and is probably swamped... ws
Chris B,
I know that this site will have to make a change one day, It is essentially unavoidable. It does please me that you are not wanting to jump in too fast at this time.
In some ways, I do understand, all too well. There is no excuse for the state of these programs and operations today. They should have been nearly perfected at least a decade ago. More than thirty years ago, I was working with "cutting edge" high technology. We were building then "state of the art" satellite receiving and television distribution systems. We built some of the first systems in California to offer HBO, ESPN, and any other such channels. We built one of the first receive sites for HBO in California, BEFORE HBO even began test transmitting on the satellite. We built one of the first LANs (Local Area Network) for an in-house computer system that was not for government or on a single site. It was about a mile across the city of Fremont. We also built several test facilities for the development of newer distribution technologies including Internet-over-cable-TV. I have no fear of technology.
What I do have, is a very low tolerance for incompetence! Nearly ten years ago, after twenty-five years in that business, I had to get out of it. It had become totally marketing and "ivory tower" driven. I just couldn't deal with all the garbage that was promised and could not be delivered by corporate hacks because the technology to do it had not been developed yet! I know their way is profitable (for some). But it is not right.
I see the same problems in the computer industries. They keep just throwing out new things hoping to catch the consumers' fancy and make a fortune. In that process, they keep "re-inventing the wheel", and making the same technological mistakes over and over again.
"Glitz" does not make a program work. "Change for the sake of change" does not make a program work. Hiding icons and taking away the way I access or choose a process does not make a program work.
Having the right idea, and following through with it makes a program work. Like Henry and the model T, once you get past all the early developing, and begin making what your goal was to, you continue to improve through reasoned and thoughtful design. Not starting over and hitting the market with a "new thing" every other year and throwing out the old model as quickly as you can sell it off.
So, Chris B, I feel for you very much. I trust you as much as anyone at this point to do the right thing as best you can. I have said it before. And I will say it again. I cannot thank you enough for all that you do. I know that I could not do it. I would have gone "Postal" by now. I do know a programmer/web-designer that says he could help. He feels about the industry similar to how I do. PM me if interested.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I for one would like to know why this format can't go on as it is in today's world??? What reasons are there that would cause a need to change to something with un needed whistles and bells??? I feel one of the reasons this Forum has such a wide following is the SIMPLE bulletin board interface.
Jay,
I totally agree! This forum is EXACTLY what about 80 percent of all forums should be. Simple, straight forward, exchange of information, as fast as posters make it.
I may not be qualified to answer totally correctly. However, as I understand it, the problem with this "program" is that the people/company that designed it no longer exist (as an entity). There is no support for security issues or other problems. Someone, of course, owns the copyrights. I would imagine that license fees have been paid, and perhaps still are paid. As long as it works, MTFCA may be able to continue using it. But these people do not want to do continued support and/or required upgrades.
As I was saying earlier. Computer programmers as an industry all want to climb onto that marketing band wagon. They want to write the next big hit (think pet rock). They don't want to be a part of a good, reliable, "established" business. They are so into selling glitz, they do not want to maintain last years success, let alone one that was considered "old hat" several years ago.
Like I say, I like this one. I would probably have been the loyal Ford customer along about 1918.
I also know, that most people that think they understand computer programming are not one tenth as smart as they think they are. I used to have to deal with some of them.
I do wonder if someone (like I know) could somehow acquire this program and be able to maintain it for years to come?
Drive carefully, and enjoy W2
This forum works OK, but it would be a lot better if we could edit our posts and quote a previous post.
Editing especially is the biggest drawback I see with the current format here.
"This forum works OK, but it would be a lot better if we could edit our posts and quote a previous post."
That part is easy with copy and paste, but I agree that it might be nice to edit out the mistakes we spot after the post appears.
There is an easy work around for the edit function.
Post the item here first and then just do a copy and paste to the MTFCI Forum.
James, he was talking about this forum. Once a post appears, it can no longer be edited by the poster.
The only good thing about this mess is it's not happening here. I don't know if anyone is at fault besides companies touting systems that just don't work but this is beyond the pale. Unjustifiable and a d*** shame.
Sorry Dick, I missed the main point!
My dyslexia kicked in again.
James, do you mean like the dyslexic insomniac agnostic who lay awake at night wondering if there was really a dog?
A d*** shame indeed! The motivation for this change I'm sure, was well intentioned, but has backfired in the worst possible way.
This fiasco will likely lead to a decline in MTFCI membership, and has effectively removed a valuable source of information and commentary from our hobby.
I personally hope this problem gets resolved soon but fear it may have soured many from participating in the MTFCI experience.
I also worry about the new owner or wannabe to our hobby who finds the MTFCI site and decides that the "Model T Club" is not for them.
Perhaps a disclaimer on the MTFCI site redirecting folks to the MTFCA site 'till "construction is completed" would be wise choice.
My $.02.
Just a though, Would it be possible that both MTFCA and MTFCI could share one forum, a lot of us belong to both and could work together for the betterment of the hobby??
Bob
James - I don't think you're dyslexic or you would have said "lex-dix-eeah"!
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Change for the sake of change is always GOOD! If you don't like change you must be an old man stuck in the past and unable to evolve!
hahaha
Since none of my saved bookmarks get me to the other forum, I have deleted them. Guess I'll just stay here, where everyone is anyways!
Danial,
I have a whole pocketful of change. Still not enough to buy into the other forum. Won't ever bother with it again.
It appears to be up and running properly now.
Although I have never been a member of the MYFCI, but have been on and off of the MTFCA since 1969, I will continue to try to support both forums. For one thing, they helped support us and inform us when our site crashed a few times a couple years ago.
I think multiple forums has several advantages to the hobby as a whole. While I prefer the "back porch" feel of this forum much more, some people do not. I like most of the "off topic" stuff on here because I think of most of the people here as personal friends. I like to hear about their other interests. And I want to know about their health issues or family losses because I care about them.
While a few people get more vitriolic than I like, I prefer that to a moderator shutting down thread drifts. Almost none of all that gets onto the other forum. Yes, I know it is not the moderators doing this. Maybe it is in fact more importantly, that it is the choice of the users of that forum. But that is why two forums is better than one.
They were down for a while. Mark wrote a very nice explanation and posted it. I am sure it will not be the last such glitch. However, one other thing to consider. The program used by this forum is archaic by programming standards. It probably will not last forever. I am as vocal as anyone in saying "I like this forum". It is what I think most forums should be. I like the simple layout. It is very easy to scan through, very easy to read. I have very little trouble posting photos. There is a tremendous amount of information in a small amount of space. However, one day, maybe not that far away, this one may crash again. One of these days, maybe not that far away, this program may not be fixable. The problems being experienced by the MTFCI forum right now can help us prepare for a forced switch later. Whatever problems they run into now, can help us make necessary decisions later.
Just my half-pennies worth.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I know we're all familiar with THIS forum, but there are some pretty useful features that the new MTFCI forum has that make it better/easier after you get familiar with it...
Edit/Deleting your own posts: type something wrong, misunderstand something, or just didn't have your coffee yet when you hit submit? You can fix it yourself or make it go away completely. A simple typo could result in some very bad technical advice... fixing it in the post, rather than as a retraction later in the thread, may save someone a lot of problems.
"New Posts" button: If you're logged in when viewing, it will remember everything you have read. If you read some at home, and some at work, you won't have to sort through posts to figure out which ones you have or have not read yet. The threads you read at work will still be marked as read when you get home.
Name of original poster and last poster given before you click the link. If you know somebody always has something interesting to say, it's easy to spot something that might be interesting to read. It also gives the number of posts, and the number of views to every topic. You can see which ones have a lot of activity (likely to be more interesting)
Private Messaging: it works through the forum, and replying is easy rather than working through email and the hassle of not being able to "reply" directly to the sender, and confusion leading to lost emails sent to the "donotreply" address.
Topics stay active forever: No need to lock every existing topic on Jan 1. each year and start over. If there is good technical discussion, it can be brought back to the top of the list at any time by any user for questions, clarifications, or as a reminder to new members.
"Sticky" topics: Good technical discussions, or FAQ's, or important announcements can be "stickied" to the top of the list by a moderator so they don't fall off the bottom until removed.
"Ignore" feature: Is there someone on here that you don't get along with? Someone you wish would go away? There's a button for that, and you'll never see a post by that guy again!
ATTRACTING NEW PARTICIPANTS!!!
nearly every other forum on the 'net uses the same, or similar software as the MTFCI forum. If you want to see "youth" being active on the Model T forums, it helps if they're familiar and comfortable with the format.
Stability: how many times have peoples' profiles been lost here? How many times has the forum been down in the last year? How many good contributing members never came back after their profile was wiped out?
My suggestion is to give it a chance. It's kind of like driving a Model T. It seems confusing to those who have never tried it, but it's easy once you get familiar with the controls.
Still getting "contact Webmaster". So will keep
watching, not trying to use yet. Keep us informed.
Bob
Good comments and good points by Wayne and Derek. I like both forums, especially now that most of the glitches have been worked out of the other one. I was just looking at a Model T website that has some pages missing, some pages last updated six years ago, and only has phone numbers for contacts. We're very lucky to have Chris and Mark working to keep the MTFCA and MTFCI websites operating.
If you're one of us computer-challenged elderly persons, when you have trouble making something work don't assume that someone intentionally set things up that way or singled you out. In fact, the webmaster is probably unaware of what's driving you nuts, and if you contact him he may be able to correct the problem and help you.
One other note: these guys are volunteers, donating their time, and have other things to do, so if getting a response takes longer than you would like, don't have a cow, man.